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Sarah Palin: pucks and politics on the ice again

If this election thing doesn't work out, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin can always become a linesman after all the practice she's getting dropping the puck at NHL rinks.

The Alaska governor, who dropped the ceremonial first puck at a Philadelphia Flyers game recently and got more boos than cheers, is scheduled to hit the ice again this week.

The St. Louis Blues announced Wednesday that Palin will do the honors Friday when they face the Kings at Scottrade Center, a move that's sure to reopen the debate over whether it's appropriate to mix sports and politics.

The only campaigning on NHL ice should be for the MVP. It's time to keep pucks separate from politics, no matter which way you lean.

-- Helene Elliott

Photo: Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin before an NHL game in Philadelphia last month met with Alaskan native Scott Gomez, left, of the New York Rangers. At right is Mike Richards of the Philadelphia Flyers. Palin dropped the ceremonial first puck at the game. Credit: Len Redkoles / pool photo / Getty Images